Both Mr Lim and Mr Jeyaretnam did not get enough votes to retain their $14,500 election deposit. They each needed to secure at least 12.5 per cent of the valid votes.

The win shifts the balance in Parliament slightly. The PAP now has 80 seats while the WP has seven.

For some, the WP victory today had been on the cards since the seat became vacant after the disgraceful exit of former Speaker Michael Palmer last month.

Lingering unhappiness over issues like immigration and transport continue to plague the Government and the major policy announcements over the past few weeks clearly did not sway public opinion.

The WP also seems to have picked up momentum since their historic win in Aljunied GRC two years ago and it is clear that a desire for a strong opposition voice is a tide that might prove difficult for the PAP to reverse.

Both the WP and the PAP are expected to hold press conferences shortly.

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